IO Audio SOGNO Review
IO Audio SOGNO Review
Introduction:
IO Audio has just introduced their second flagship IEM, the SOGNO following the success of their debut model, the VOLARE. The SOGNO offers a compelling blend of technology and design. Equipped with a hybrid driver configuration, featuring two dynamic drivers and six balanced armature drivers, the SOGNO aims to deliver a balanced and detailed sound.
One of its standout features is the innovative physical frequency crossover, designed to minimize interference between different drivers and frequency bands, resulting in a cleaner and more precise audio experience.
Beyond its technical prowess, the SOGNO also prioritizes comfort and fit. The IEM’s medical-grade resin printing cavity and ergonomic mold, crafted through extensive analysis of ear shapes, ensure a comfortable and secure fit for a wide range of users. To accommodate various audio sources, the SOGNO comes with a high-quality interchangeable cable featuring 4.4mm, 2.5mm, and 3.5mm plugs. Constructed using premium materials, the cable guarantees durability and optimal signal transmission.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank SHENZHEN Audio and IO Audio for providing me the SOGNO Hybrid Driver IEM sample for review purposes. I am not affiliated with SHENZHEN Audio and IO Audio beyond this review and all these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price for the IO Audio SOGNO is $399.00 USD. More information can be found under the link below.
Package & Accessories:
The IO Audio SOGNO arrives in a relatively large box in black color with a rectangular shaped that has a sleek and premium feel, while on the top of both the main box and the cardboard sleave are some product related brandings.
Inside the box of the SOGNO are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair IO Audio SOGNO Hybrid Driver IEM
- 1 x 2-Pin Detachable Cable with Modular headphone plug design
- 3 x Modular Headphone Adapters (1x 4.4mm BAL, 1x 2.5mm BAL, 1x 3.5mm Single Ended)
- 3 x pairs IO-TW45 Silicone Ear Tips (S / M / L)
- 3 x pairs IO-TW40 Silicone Ear Tips (S / M / L)
- 3 x pairs IO-TW43 Silicone Ear Tips (S / M / L)
- 3 x pairs IO-ST50 Silicone Ear Tips (S / M / L)
- 3 x pairs IO-F49 Foam Ear Tips (S / M / L)
- 1 x IEM Storage Case
- 1 x Cable Storage bag
- 1 x Cleaning cloth
- 1 x Print Material (VIP Card, User Manual, etc.)
The IO Audio SOGNO unboxing experience is comparable to, if not better than, many higher-priced models. The packaging and included accessories are crafted with care and offer a wide range of options for users.
The SOGNO comes with a comprehensive set of ear tips, including four types of silicone (IO-TW45, IO-TW40, IO-TW43, IO-ST50) and one type of foam ear tips (IO-F49). Each type of ear tip is thoughtfully packaged in its own dedicated storage box with a label for easy identification.
Another notable inclusion is the 2-Pin detachable cable with a modular headphone plug design that includes three types of headphone plugs: 3.5mm Standard, 2.5mm Balanced, and 4.4mm Balanced.
Furthermore, the premium-looking IEM storage case and cable storage bag are additional thoughtful touches.
Design & Build Quality:
The IO Audio SOGNO features a very aesthetic monitor design that instantly gives you a sense of premium craftsmanship. The monitor cavity is crafted from 3D printed medical-grade resin, a collaboration with Heygears, a renowned leader in mass-produced IEM cavities.
The IO Audio SOGNO faceplate’s design is truly captivating, showcasing a sense of natural beauty. The black background with its shimmering patterns used for the housing and faceplate amplifies this organic feel, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The intricate details, such as the veins and branches etched into the surface, contribute to the overall natural aesthetic. The faceplate’s design is both elegant and unique, making it a standout piece that is sure to turn heads.
The left and right earpieces are marked with a silver “I” and “O” for easy identification of the left and right channels.
The IO Audio SOGNO boasts a formidable hybrid driver configuration, featuring a total of 8 drivers: 6 balanced armature (BA) drivers and 2 dynamic drivers. This in-ear monitor (IEM) employs a 5-way electronic crossover with a 4-way physical design, ensuring a homogeneous transition between the different driver units and preventing phase issues.
The customized balanced armature drivers in the SOGNO are specifically designed to excel in the mid and high frequencies. One of these drivers is a newly developed balanced armature driver for upper high frequency, which has achieved one of the lowest distortion levels among similar drivers. Additionally, the sensitivity has been adjusted to reduce the need for additional frequency crossover components, optimizing the system engineering.
The SOGNO also incorporates self-developed coaxial dual dynamic drivers with a high-spec 10mm silica gel suspension mixed paper basin dome. This innovation has effectively reduced bass distortion and enhanced the connection between mids and bass, resulting in a more natural and smooth performance. The 6mm treble driver has been designed to optimize the impedance characteristics of the high-frequency driver, leading to smoother and more captivating high-frequency output.
The IO Audio SOGNO features a 0.78mm diameter, 2-pin female connector interface on the top of each monitor housing. A sizable pressure relief vent is also present, likely designed for as part of the inner ear air pressure balance system. The system mitigates ear pressure, thereby reducing listening fatigue and preventing strain on the sound components.
The inner surface utilizes the sound nozzle that has 4 bores on the top for the specially designed 4-way frequency cross over that removes possible multi-driver distortion.
At the rear surface of each monitor cavity are the SOGNO brandings in gold color.
The IO Audio SOGNO comes with a detachable 2-pin cable featuring a modular headphone plug design. This high-specification cable offers interchangeable adapters, including 4.4mm, 2.5mm, and 3.5mm replaceable plugs.
The cable is constructed of 4 strands of mixed-braided, 6N high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) silver plated wire material. The cable’s outer sheath is made of a flexible antioxidant-modified ABS skin, while the core is reinforced with tensile aramid fiber for added durability. Flexible heat shrink ear guides provide added comfort during use, while the cable incorporates a y-splitter and a chin slider made of the same metal material as the connector housings. The y-splitter features the I/O logo.
The 0.78mm diameter 2-pin connectors are housed in a protective black metal casing with a red ring for easy identification. The left and right housings are marked with “I” and “O,” respectively, mirroring the branding details found on the monitor faceplate.
The SOGNO includes interchangeable modular headphone plugs with 4.4mm Balanced, 2.5mm Balanced, and 3.5mm Single-Ended terminations. These plugs have a straight profile and attach securely to the cable’s connector housing with a screwable metal piece.
In conclusion, the SOGNO showcases exceptional build quality, featuring sturdy shells and durable connectors that meet or exceed expectations for an IEM in this price range
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The IO Audio SOGNO, despite its complex 8 driver hybrid configuration, offers a surprisingly comfortable and secure fit. Thanks to extensive research and development, including the analysis of thousands of auricle models, SOGNO has crafted an ergonomic mold that accommodates a wide range of ear shapes. I found that the ergonomic mold perfectly accommodated my average-sized ears, allowing me to wear them for hours without any discomfort.
The SOGNO offers a pretty effective passive noise isolation, which makes it quite ideal for use in moderately noisy environments like buses, subways, or trains.
Technical Specifications:
- Driver Unit: 1x 10mm + 6mm Customized Coaxial Dual Dynamic Driver + 4x Customized Full-Range Balanced Armature Driver + 2x Customized High-Range Balanced Armature Driver
- Diaphragm Material (DD): 10mm Silicone Rubber Surround Mixed-Fiber Dome + 6mm PET Diaphragm
- Frequency-crossover Structure: 5-Way Electronic (4-Way Physical)
- THD: THD@1kHz<0.8% (94dB)
- Sensitivity: 126.5dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Impedance: 12.80±10% (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz – 30kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
- Effective Frequency Response Range: 20Hz – 20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
- Cable Material: 4-Strand Oxygen-free Copper Cross-Twisted Cable
Pairing & Drivability:
The IO Audio SOGNO offers excellent compatibility and versatility. Its low impedance of 12.80Ω and high sensitivity of 126.5dB make it easy to drive with a variety of sources, including USB DAC Dongles, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), and even smartphones and tablets.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : IO Audio SOGNO, Hidizs MS5
- Sources : HiBy FD5, FiiO M23, Questyle CMA18P, iFi Audio GO blu
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “ Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The IO Audio SOGNO is a Hybrid In-Ear Monitor with a 6 Balanced Armature + 2 Dynamic Driver setup, delivering a well-rounded sonic performance. The sound signature is balanced, with a strong emphasis on clarity and detail. This review will delve into the earphone’s bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage to provide a comprehensive understanding of its audio capabilities.
This review has been written after a burn-in period of approx. 70 hours. My sound evaluations are primarily focused on pairings with the following sources: HiBy FD5 (Desktop DAC/AMP), FiiO M23 (DAP), Questyle CMA18P and iFi Audio GO blu (Portable DAC/AMP).
Bass:
The IO Audio SOGNO delivers a satisfying bass performance that strikes a balance between quantity and quality. The sub-bass extends deeply and powerfully, providing a solid foundation for genres that demand a strong low-end presence. The SOGNO effortlessly reproduces the deep, rumbling basslines of hip-hop tracks, the pulsating sub-bass frequencies of electronic music, and the powerful bass guitar riffs of rock songs. The sub-bass is well-controlled and doesn’t bleed into other frequencies, maintaining a tight and focused sound.
The mid-bass is slightly emphasized, adding warmth and fullness to vocals and instruments without compromising clarity or definition. The IO Audio SOGNO’s mid-bass response is well-balanced, ensuring that the bass doesn’t overshadow other frequencies. This results in a cohesive and balanced sound that allows the listener to appreciate the full spectrum of music. The bass could be a bit more refined and textured, which is my only complaint about the SOGNO in this area.
The SOGNO’s bass performance is in general pretty impressive when listening to tracks with complex basslines or intricate arrangements. The earphone’s ability to deliver a powerful and controlled bass response, while maintaining clarity and definition, makes it a suitable choice for a wide variety of musical genres.
Midrange:
The midrange of the IO Audio SOGNO is exceptionally detailed and transparent, providing a natural and immersive listening experience. Vocals are presented with a realistic and lifelike quality, as if the artists are performing right in front of you. Every nuance, inflection, and subtle detail is captured with exceptional accuracy. The midrange is rich and textured, allowing instruments to shine through with their individual characteristics.
Instruments in the midrange, such as guitars and pianos, sound realistic and well-defined. The lower midrange is slightly forward, providing a sense of presence and body to instruments. The upper midrange is slightly recessed, which can result in a slightly less aggressive sound. However, this also helps to prevent sibilance and harshness.
The SOGNO’s midrange performance is particularly impressive when listening to acoustic music, classical pieces, and vocals. The clarity and detail in this frequency range allow for a nuanced and intimate listening experience. Additionally, the slight brightness can add a touch of excitement to more energetic tracks, making the SOGNO suitable for a variety of musical genres. The IO Audio SOGNO excels at reproducing the nuances of acoustic guitars, the warmth of violins, and the clarity of human voices.
Treble:
The treble of the IOAudio SOGNO is well-balanced and extends smoothly, providing a detailed and airy presentation. The lower treble is slightly elevated, adding a touch of brightness and sparkle to cymbals and other percussive elements. The mid treble is also slightly emphasized, contributing to a more analytical and revealing sound. However, the treble remains smooth and controlled, avoiding any harshness or sibilance.
The SOGNO’s treble performance is particularly impressive when listening to tracks with intricate details or high-frequency instruments. The added brightness can highlight the nuances and subtleties in the music, making it more engaging and enjoyable. The IO Audio SOGNO excels at reproducing the crispness of cymbals, the sparkle of pianos, and the details of stringed instruments.
Additionally, the SOGNO’s treble response is consistent across the entire range, ensuring a balanced and natural sound. This is particularly important for genres that rely heavily on high-frequency information, such as classical music and jazz. The IO Audio SOGNO’s treble performance is capable of capturing the delicate nuances of acoustic instruments and the intricacies of complex musical compositions.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The IO Audio SOGNO offers a reasonably spacious soundstage, with good width and depth. Instruments are well-separated and positioned in the sound field. The deep extension in the sub-bass and the smooth treble response contribute to a sense of depth and immersion. However, the soundstage is not as expansive as some other IEMs, and can feel slightly more intimate.
The SOGNO’s soundstage performance is particularly impressive when listening to orchestral music or large-scale compositions. The ability to create a sense of depth and space allows the listener to appreciate the individual elements of the music and their relationship to the overall composition. Additionally, the precise imaging contributes to a more realistic and engaging listening experience. The SOGNO excels at reproducing the spatial cues and positioning of instruments in a musical mix, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Comparison:
IO Audio SOGNO versus Hidizs MS5:
The IO Audio SOGNO and Hidizs MS5 both deliver solid bass performance, but the SOGNO significantly outperforms the MS5 in terms of overall power, impact, depth, separation, and imaging. The SOGNO’s sub-bass extends deeper and more powerfully, providing a robust foundation for genres that demand a strong low-end presence. The MS5’s bass is also capable, offering a respectable low-end punch, but it feels less pronounced and intense compared to the SOGNO. Additionally, the SOGNO’s bass is better controlled and more precise, resulting in a cleaner and more defined sound.
Both the SOGNO and MS5 excel in the midrange, but they have slightly different characteristics. The SOGNO’s midrange is exceptionally detailed and transparent, providing a natural and immersive listening experience. Vocals are presented with a realistic and lifelike quality. The MS5 also offers a detailed midrange, but it sounds slightly unnatural and thin compared to the SOGNO. The MS5’s midrange feels less organic and less connected to the overall sound. Additionally, the MS5’s midrange sounds slightly compressed, which can reduce the perception of fine details and dynamics.
When it comes to the treble range, the SOGNO is well-balanced and extends smoothly, providing a detailed and airy presentation. The MS5’s treble is still capable of producing a clear and crisp sound, but it sounds a bit metallic to my ears compared to the SOGNO. Additionally, the MS5’s upper treble extension is more pronounced, offering a better sense of clarity, definition, and extension, while also making the MS5’s treble sound sharper and more prone to sibilance and harshness.
Both the SOGNO and MS5 offer a reasonably spacious soundstage, but the MS5’s soundstage generally appears wider and more expansive. The SOGNO’s soundstage is still capable of creating a sense of depth and immersion. Both IEMs are quite successful in terms of separating instruments and vocals.
Conclusion:
The IO Audio SOGNO offers a compelling IEM package for those seeking a coherent, balanced and detailed sound profile. Its hybrid driver configuration, coupled with innovative physical frequency crossover technology, delivers a well-rounded sonic performance. The SOGNO’s emphasis on comfort, fit, and premium build quality further enhances the overall listening experience. With its solid audio performance, gorgeous design, and thoughtful accessories, the IO Audio SOGNO presents a strong value proposition.
Pros & Cons:
- + Well-rounded sonic performance with a focus on clarity and detail
- + Powerful yet controlled bass response
- + Detailed and transparent midrange
- + Well-balanced treble presentation
- + Beautiful Monitor Design (especially the faceplate)
- + Excellent Fit & Comfort
- + Great Detachable Cable with Modular Headphone Plug Design
- + Premium Unboxing Experience that includes various ear tips and a stylish storage case
- – The bass could sound just a bit more refined and textured for my taste
- – A bit confused about the brandings. Is it IO Audio, I/O Audio, or I/O Acoustics?
Thank you for the Read!
